NORTH BILLERICA, MA - BTU International, a maker of thermal processing equipment, swung back to profitability despite lower quarterly sales.

Net sales for the quarter ended Dec. 31 were $13.6 million, down from $15.4 million sequentially but up from $7.8 million a year ago. Net income was $70,000, versus a net loss of $2.4 million sequentially and a net loss of $1.6 million last year. BTU took a one-time restructuring charge of $1.6 million in the third quarter.

For the year net sales nearly doubled to $54.6 million, versus $28.5 million. The net loss for was $4.2 million, including $1.6 million in charges. BTU lost $6.8 million in 2003.

In a press statement, chairman and CEO Paul van der Wansem said, "The general trend in capital spending levels in many of the markets we serve has been cautious, with an indication of growth in Asia and Europe. The operations in China are proceeding according to plan."

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